Why triathlon?
Article content
George Papadakos - Tales in Triathlon
George Papadakos was born and raised in Tillsonburg, and is now raising his two children Zan and Zoey with his wife Nikko. He has been an active part of the soccer community for many years, and continues to keep active with his multi-sport endeavours. If you can't find George in the pool or on the road, you may find him in the family restaurant that has been apart of Tillsonburg for over 30 years.
When I first proposed to do this column many months ago I thought it was going to be easy. I mean why wouldn't I... I consider myself to be a seasoned triathlete, with more than 30 triathlons under my belt, and most of those being of the long course variety. But as I tried, and tried again I became increasingly aware that writing about it, is not as easy as talking about it. But before I go any further I must admit that I am not a coach, nor am I nutritionist, and I am definitely not a pro athlete (I wish). But I am a triathlon geek, and my years of toiling away have given me a little clout in a very challenging sport.
So why triathlon?
Well firstly, it's different, and I knew that I would be able to do it at any age. Last year there were three 70 year olds that raced Ironman Canada, so it's not just for the young. But the main reason was that I wanted to challenge myself, and push my limits. There would be no blaming anyone else for not performing well, just me. My years between the pipes as a soccer goal keeper were slowly coming to an end, and even though I could still compete I knew it was only a matter of time before someone better came along, and he did (Brett).
Triathlon training has kept me feeling young, healthy and challenges me everyday. The camaraderie between the athletes and the spectators during races is invigorating. You wouldn't believe how much a cheer from a random stranger can help summon the will to persevere even during some of your darkest times during a race. It's also one of the only sports I know where you "toe the line" with the professionals. I have been side by side with Trevor Wurtele, Wolfgang Guembel, and have even got a high five from Lisa Bentley coming down the finishing chute of the Muskoka Chase.
Which brings me to the best thing about triathlons... racing!!!
Race day is nerve racking. It's like having to get up for a speech or getting married for that matter. The butterflies are turning, apprehensions about what you are about to do start creeping in, and that little self-doubt starts to ask questions about whether or not we should do this (and no, I wasn't nervous for a second… when I got married). Plus there is so much to remember, your gear, getting there, parking the car, getting your race package and getting to the start line. But with some planning, and if possible an awesome significant other (my Nikko)/parent/friend this can all be managed very easily, and keep you on the right track to having a great race.
Take a deep breath and enjoy the scenery. This is your day! The day you put any fears or doubts on the table, and see what you're made of. There is no quitting now. All your hard work is about to pay off with something more satisfying than you could ever imagine. Today you will finish a triathlon, something you may of committed to many months ago, and today will be the day you remember forever.
Coming down that finishing chute, you hear the announcer calling your name, you see your family and friends cheering as loud as they can. You fight back a tear (I know its sounds corny), and then you dig deeper than you ever thought possible before you started this journey, and cross that line like the champion you are. I will always cherish my first triathlon finish in Benton Harbour, Michigan. It was the biggest challenge I have ever taken on, and what has hooked me on this sport forever. I feel I owe it to the sport to share my stories, my insight and knowledge, and just maybe help someone reach their goals. For those that have a busy triathlon schedule I will be doing a round up of how our local athletes fared.
Until we meet at the start line, train smart, train safe and have fun. I would love to hear all your training or race stories, or any other questions related to multi-sport. I look forward to hearing from you.
George can be reached at triathlongeorge@hotmail.com.